A pilot project on Solar Charkha was implemented at Khanwa village, Nawada District of Bihar in 2016. Based on the success of the pilot project, Government of India has accorded approval to set up 50 such clusters with a budget of Rs. 550 Crore for 2018-19 and 2019-20. The scheme is envisaged to generate direct employment nearly to one lakh persons in the approved Fifty (50) clusters. The scheme envisages setting up of ‘Solar Charkha Clusters’, which would mean a focal village and other surrounding villages in a radius of 8 to 10 kilometres.
Further, such a cluster will have 200 to 2042 beneficiaries (Spinners, weavers, stitchers and other skilled artisans). Each spinner will be given two charkhas of 10 spindles each. On an average, it is considered that such a cluster will have about 1000 charkhas. A cluster with full capacity will provide direct employment to 2042 artisans.
Scheme Objectives The objectives of the Scheme are as follows:
i. To ensure inclusive growth by generation of employment, especially for women and youth, and sustainable development through solar charkha clusters in rural areas.
ii. To boost rural economy and help in arresting migration from rural to urban areas.
iii. To leverage low-cost, innovative technologies and processes for sustenance.
The target is to cover more than 50 clusters across the country. The scheme will be implemented in all States of India. The time frame for the implementation of the project will be 2 years.
The main parameters of the scheme are as follows:
(i) Solar Charkha Mission Directorate will draw up a State-wise list of potential clusters.
(ii) An individual or a promoter agency would be selected/ preferred for setting up of Solar Charkha Clusters. Existing Khadi Institutions can also take up the work of setting up of such clusters.
Criteria for selection of Promoting Agency :-
1. Strategy, Vision, Mission and its alignment to MSME
2. Board and Governance – Experience, Senior Management, Role of Board Members and Senior Management
3. Management and Systems
4. Organizational Structure and Human Resource Management
5. Financial Resources –equity and debt composition
6. Financial Performance for last three years – profitability and IRR
All Payments Bank Linked :-
Bank linkages will be for different financing needs of the project. Specialized financing to be linked for each aspect of financing. Different sources of financing will be through
1. MUDRA Loan
2. Microfinance Institutions/NBFC
3. Scheduled Commercial Banks
Evaluation of the Scheme:
It is envisaged to conduct third party mid-term evaluation of the project/clusters to determine the deficiencies and to take-up mid-course corrective measures. Impact assessment studies will also be undertaken at end of the project duration, both at the cluster-level and the program-level, so as to validate the outcomes achieved.
